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You can’t win in this league until they win Wes Hodkiewicz

Steve from Land O’ Lakes, FL

What’s your No. 1 takeaway from this year’s draft?

“The spine” of Green Bay’s defense, as NFL Network referred to it, is going to have a different complexion than it has in the past after the Packers devoted more than half of their picks to improving their lot at defensive back and off-ball linebacker.

Dave from Germantown, TN

I could see any of the drafted safeties or Anthony Johnson Jr. starting next to Xavier McKinney. How do the Packers divvy up the preseason snaps to give each player a fair opportunity to showcase their talents?

That’ll work itself out. It always does. Getting drafted is a ticket to the 90-man roster. What a player does with that opportunity is strictly up to them. What I can promise is the Packers will give every safety a fair shot to play alongside McKinney and still the situation could remain fluid throughout the course of the year. Remember Aaron Jones was a healthy scratch in his first NFL game, as Green Bay entered into Week 1 in 2017 with Jamaal Williams, Devante Mayes, and Ty Montgomery in the backfield.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, we have turned the page. Now we get to watch the roster take shape. It says something about the Packer Way that Atlanta drafted a QB to learn behind Kirk Cousins. Would you rate the player personnel team for the Packers among the best in the NFL?

I’m not big on ratings, rankings, or grades, but I’ve always felt the front office’s greatest strength is its identity. Nobody gets every pick right, but the Packers’ brass knows who they are, what they’re looking for, and they draft accordingly. That’s how you operate in this league with any semblance of consistency.

Yotam from Atlit, Israel

It’s always amusing to me when the “draft and develop” approach is being debated. I mean, is there any other profession on Earth that you finish your education and then go on to lead the team/project/business? When a doctor finishes med school, does he lead the department right away? A junior lawyer goes to head a law firm on the first year? Does Wes become editor overnight? Of course, you let him work a few years behind a veteran before handing him the keys to the corner office…

I find it humorous. Here we are ripping Atlanta for drafting a QB, with plans of long-term development, while also ridiculing Bryce Young for his struggles after being thrown into the fire immediately. You can’t win in this league until they win.

Scott from Tukwila, WA

Greetings II. I can’t help but to shake my head at the analyst “pros” who are saying that Packers fans won’t be too pleased with picking RB MarShawn Lloyd so high. Oh really?! I was over the moon with that pick and welcome more depth at that position. That was an excellent draft choice if you ask me, which no one is. Let’s go!

Every draft analyst is entitled to their opinion, but Daniel Jeremiah didn’t call Lloyd his top running back for no reason. Lloyd ran a sub-4.5 at 220 pounds and put up 26 bench reps of 225. He also averaged 7.1 yards per carry at USC last year and only has 253 college touches on his body. So, I fail to see the downside in this pick, particularly with it coming in the third round.

John from Stevens Point, WI

Flood a position group with several players. That seems to be the Gutey M.O. It’s worked pretty well with the receiver group. Do you anticipate the same for the safety group?

We won’t know until we see it, but I’ll never bet against Gutekunst. There’s too much water in the jug to question how it got there.

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James from Appleton, WI

Yes, yes, your arms are too short to box with God. But Aidan Hutchinson ain’t God. Imagine if Jordan Morgan’s arms were one inch longer, Brian Gutekunst would be a genius.

So many folks are perseverating on Morgan’s arm length without acknowledging his 11-inch hands. Also, the Packers regularly allow rookies to play their most natural position at the beginning and transition him if certain traits warrant such a move. Inside or outside, Morgan has the tools to compete against top-flight pass rushers.

Josh from Newhall, CA

Looking at the last few drafts, it really feels like BG is hitting his stride. There’s a confidence it seems you can sense in the way the Packers maneuver the draft and make selections. We think about players developing over their first 2-3 years, but I think we forget that new coaches and GMs are learning and developing too. I would say the same applies to Matt LaFleur. I think we are seeing a coach and GM hitting their prime. Do you get a sense of that interacting with them in their time in GB?

Gutekunst and LaFleur have a great working relationship, understanding where their expertise lies. Listen, I was in second grade when Gutekunst collected his first paycheck from the Packers. Gutekunst not only has been an NFL scout for more than 25 years, but his experience also applies directly to this building. What’s more, Gutekunst has a cohesive nucleus around him when making personnel decisions.

Matt from Kula, HI

Looking at who Morgan will be competing with for a starting spot, shouldn’t Josh Myers also be added to Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan? If, as some have reported, Tom could be considered for a move to center, that would open up a tackle slot for Morgan. Perhaps another pathway to getting the best five on the field?

I’m going with the “everything will sort itself out” answer again. There will be competition everywhere this summer with hope of finding the right alchemy for that starting offensive line in front of Jordan Love.

Brian from Fort Atkinson, WI

Good morning, I just watched the video package on Michael Pratt. All I can say is WOW. He has to be extremely mentally strong. Even though he had to be in tremendous emotional pain, Pratt was checking on his coaches and teammates to make sure they were OK. That has to be the definition of a great locker-room guy. If you have not seen it, I recommend you do.

I concur. It’s a very powerful piece and I encourage everyone to watch it. Pratt is an impressive young man who has been through a lot. Adversity tests an individual’s character, and you can tell the unimaginable tragedy Pratt experienced has only made him a stronger person.

Bob from Rome, NY

Wes: A question about Kingsley Enagbare’s injury. We just found out a few days ago that the ACL was not torn and did not require surgery. Did the Green Bay staff find out about the same time we did, or have they known for a while? Seems like a long time for the staff to get this information if they found out on or around draft day. Possible smokescreen for the draft to let teams think Packers were going to draft an edge rusher? As always, your expertise response awaits! Thank you!

It seems they’ve known for some time given Gutekunst’s quip about how “we were able to keep it quiet, which was good, for at least a little while.” If surgery isn’t needed, I’ll be breathing a heavy sigh of relief for Enagbare. Seeing his pain and dejection in Dallas was one of the saddest things that I’ve witnessed in an NFL locker room.

Dale from Aurora, CO

The Packers did not put much effort into drafting corners. While their assessment on their present corners with perhaps some confidence in the ‘Tines may have been part of the equation, would not the mentioned versatility of the three safeties to possibly play the “slot” also be a factor.

That’s a big part of it. Keisean Nixon is back as the nickel cornerback, but remember the Packers lost their “dime” cornerback when Jonathan Owens signed with Chicago. As much as Green Bay needs another safety alongside McKinney, the defense also has some openings in the six-DB “dime” sub-package. The more a DB can do, the better chance he has of playing.

David from Cable, WI

On Dan’s question about not picking a corner sooner, our new safeties make me think the slot-corner position in the future is going to be more a part of the safety room than the corners. Possibly due to our new DC. More versatility?

There’s already quite a bit of synergy there already between the cornerback and safety rooms. I think that’s part of the reason behind the defensive backs beginning to meet jointly a few years ago.

Tom from Yardley, PA

Overall, thought it was a solid draft. On the question of not drafting a corner until the seventh round, it’s one thing to say Eric Stokes looks great. The reality is he’s suited up for 55% of the games over three years. Very intrigued by Kalen King and you can’t help but think he is coming into a great situation to try and make his mark.

I mentioned this in “Three Things,” but I’ve never been part of a more emotional conference call with a draft pick than the one we conducted with King on Saturday night. He was obviously disappointed with how far he fell but also motivated to prove to everyone he’s still the cornerback he was for Penn State in 2022. The Packers still have options at cornerback (like they always do). We didn’t write much about it last month, but the Packers retaining Corey Ballentine was a big deal for this defense. That’s a major veteran insurance policy behind Jaire Alexander, Stokes, and Valentine.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Wes, you were clearly touched by the Kalen King interview. It’s all speculation for now, but do you see him as a potential Carrington Valentine 2.0? A steal in the seventh round.

I compared the two on Twitter Saturday and some keyboard scouts criticized me. Yes, they’re different players but King’s age (he’ll play his entire rookie season at 21) and confidence remind me a lot of Valentine last year. King also need look no further than Walker, his former Nittany Lion teammate, for an example of what’s possible for a seventh-round pick in Green Bay.

Joe from Hampshire, IL

Wes, Evan Williams certainly got a “Seale” of approval, eh? Trusting Gutey’s staff, I watched Evan’s tape and don’t want to heap expectations on him but reminds me of Micah Hyde.

I don’t know much yet about Evan Williams, the football player, but I cannot tell you how impressed I was by Evan Williams, the man. Hearing Williams address the media, I was reminded of Hyde’s conference call in 2013. Williams has a good head on his shoulders based on what I’ve read.

Jeff from Littlefork, MN

I think we all agree the team wholly moved into the Love era last year. While we’ve been in the post-Rodgers era for a while, can we finally sort out what we got for what we gave? The NY Jets’ picks translated into what exactly for Green Bay?

It’s complicated. While Luke Musgrave was directly tied to the Rodgers trade (New York’s 2023 second-round pick), Lukas Van Ness, Anders Carlson, Edgerrin Cooper, Evan Williams and Jacob Monk were either byproducts of pick swaps with the Jets or trades with other teams.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning, Wes. If you can believe what you read on the electronic interweb, at least two of the Packers’ undrafted free agents were also voted as team captains. Rodney Matthews from Ohio was captain three times and James Ester from Northern Illinois an incredible four times. Both are defensive linemen. Has character and locker-room leadership become as important as height, weight, and speed?

Character is the foundation upon which a successful football team is built. If your team lacks it, everything could crumble. With solid leadership, however, championship teams are constructed.

Mike from Glendale, CA

Good morning! Here’s a fun fact: The Packers are one of only three teams that did not draft a WR or TE. The other two teams are the Lions and Vikings. Granted, Detroit and Minnesota had fewer picks than most teams. But I think this speaks to the strength and depth of receiving talent in our division.

That’s actually pretty interesting. I stand by what I said before the draft – the competition Green Bay sought at receiver is already on the roster. When you hit that well on young players at a certain position, you can take swings at other spots.

Ken from New London, WI

Good morning, I love reading your articles and seeing your videos. The question that I have is what happens with the player we have from Africa? Is he going to make the team? Or how long do the Packers have a roster exemption? Thanks for your input.

Kenneth Odumegwu is back on the roster exemption. He’ll only count towards the 53-man roster if he’s signed to the active roster. Otherwise, Odumegwu is eligible to be a 17th member of the practice squad.

Jim from Green Bay, WI

If the last player selected is Mr. Irrelevant, are all those signees after that in the Irrelevant-er category?

I feel like Mr. Irrelevant should be called “A real Purdy pick” from now on.

Dave from Crossville, TN

Where will the Jeff Hafley statue be placed after this year? All joking aside I’m excited to see how this change works out with the talent we just acquired for the new guy. July is only three months away.

Oh, I need no reminder.

Scott from Sussex, WI

Please tell me the entire digital-video-social media team that works tirelessly for three days on draft coverage encompasses 16 individuals, one of whom is a new hire. Jury’s still out on the newbie.

Lauren knows a full-time position is never owned and rent is due every day.

Chuck from Sun Prairie, WI

I’m not worried about how many good players Packers management cuts the end of August. It just means the team is getting better. GPG

Fans realize the Packers also can trade current players for future picks, right? Green Bay has done it in the past with Cole Van Lanen, Ka’dar Hollman and Lerentee McCray.

Thomas from Cedar Rapids, IA

With next year’s draft being in GB, I was hoping (but not surprised it didn’t happen) for a trade or two acquiring future picks. I’m sure we will end up with more than our original seven picks but making hometown fans wait for the 32nd pick in each round of the 2025 draft is downright cruel.

I like the way you think. Have a great Tuesday.

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Jordan Love was the constant in a sea of immense change Wes Hodkiewicz

David from Roscoe, IL

Welcome back, Wes! Am I the only one who doesn’t think Travis Kelce’s bump is THAT big of a deal? No, it’s not a great look, but Andy Reid bumped him earlier in the year when he was acting out of line. I think it’s how these guys are. Thank you for all your hard work!

As someone who’s issued a few enthusiastic rebuttals to my boss over the years, I can’t say I minded Kelce-gate. The Super Bowl is the ultimate competition and Kelce is a competitor. Also, it’s not like some random undrafted rookie bumping into an all-time great head coach. Kelce has played 11 seasons for Reid. Relationships matter.

Rick from Trempealeau, WI

This offseason feels so different from 2023. What a difference a year makes. Last year we were all sad about not making the playoffs, Aaron Rodgers leaving, and all the looming question marks. Now, don’t you feel everyone is excited about what’s next? I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling like the next five months are going to drag on until training camp opens.

The anticipation is there, for sure. I can feel it being around Lambeau on a daily basis. This has the making of a very fun football team. I feel like something that was lost in the narrative of how young the Packers were in 2023 was the dynamics of the team. If we can look past the experience for a minute, it’s fascinating how incoming players such as Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft complemented what Aaron Jones, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs already do so well. There are so many tantalizing possibilities out there and that makes Green Bay dangerous.

Etienne from St Joachim de Tourelle, Canada

What are your assessments on this free agent class of 2024? My gut feeling is telling me that a lot of the prime free agents will re-sign with their current team. I feel like we will add depth and competition mostly on O-line and all over the defense side. I would love Derrick Henry in green and gold, but my guess is it is too expensive.

That one would shock me. If a Jones-Dillon redux doesn’t work out, I’d expect Green Bay to dip into the draft rather than sign a veteran running back. To the first part of your question, I agree extensions and franchise tags will remove the top layer of this free-agent class, but the best moves don’t always generate the biggest headlines. The Packers also have more liquidity this year than they did in 2023. If Brian Gutekunst has his sights on a player, he’ll have room to make a move.

Ross from Hudson, WI

The much-ballyhooed stat of the legendarily youngest receiving corps in NFL history begs the question: whose emergence next year would reap the most carnage on opposing defenses? My vote from the young guns would be “Big Play Tay” Dontayvion Wicks.

That’s a strong pick. I was blown away with how comfortable Wicks looked in the offense from Day 1. He followed in the footsteps of Doubs in that way. Wicks made a few mistakes, but never the same one twice. Meanwhile, I found his ability to generate separation and explosive plays to be striking. If that’s what Wicks looked like as a rookie, Packers fans cannot wait to see what comes next.

Bruce from Jackson, WI

Welcome back Wes. Hopefully, you had time to decompress and recharge for the Outbox to come. Did you see the NFL’s video of the top 100 catches of the 2023 season? Packers had two catches by Watson at Nos. 85 and 52. I know the players probably would say it doesn’t mean anything, but Reed, Doubs, Wicks, Luke Musgrave, and Kraft all had catches just as good or better than the top 100 selected. Hopefully, they’ll underestimate them next season to our advantage!

Agreed, but it still would be nice if the NFL wakes up to what the Packers are doing here at some point. The league missed out on a lot in 2023. Off the top of my head, I can think of two or three Doubs catches that should be on that list.

Dennis from Parrish, FL

Calling my shot that both Wicks and Reed both end up with 500 career catches! A pretty tall accomplishment.

It feels like Reed is already halfway there.

Terry from Kolberg, WI

In most comparisons to Favre’s, Rodgers’ and Love’s first-year starting, I feel they do not take into account the receiving core (both WR and TE) comparison advantage both Favre and Rodgers had compared to Love is huge. The two positions that normally take time to develop is WR and TE. Then compare the O-line and it makes Love’s season more impressive. What other QB could withstand losing your left tackle then rotate your right guard and left tackle positions throughout the year and survive?

Love was the constant in a sea of immense change…just like a franchise quarterback should be. Regardless of who was available, Love never blinked.

Sean from Palatine, IL

Speaking of parity, the Chiefs lost to the Raiders less than 50 days before winning the Super Bowl. They also haven’t scored more than 30 points in 10 games (one of the longest active streaks). But they keep winning. The margins are razor thin.

Kansas City played in several close games this year, but I firmly believe it was the NFL’s best team by year’s end. The Chiefs’ superpower was their ability to learn from losses and keep improving. Even after KC’s loss to the Packers, I didn’t sense panic from Reid, Patrick Mahomes, or anyone on that roster. Because it wasn’t just about making the playoffs to them – it was ensuring they were their best selves once they got there. There’s an innate confidence in that locker room that it will find its way. That’s such a rare intangible in sports.

Mark from Big Bear City, CA

Good morning, Wes. Welcome back hope you are rested and ready to roll. I know it’s early, but I’ve been looking at prospects for the OL and came across Kingsley Suamataia from BYU he’s played right and left side OT their saying he is an athletic freak, strong and fast at 6-foot-6, 320 pounds and said if needed he could move inside. Sounds like a Packers to me and is only 21 years old.

The Packers value athleticism in their offensive linemen, so that checks a box. Suamataia received a combine invite, so we’ll see how he performs in Indy. I’ll have my eye on the vertical again this year. The Packers drafted the two top performers in that area in 2022 and I’d say it’s worked out OK for them. Zach Tom looks like a 10-year starter while Sean Rhyan made huge strides in Year 2 following his transition to guard.

Michael from Baraboo, WI

What will be the biggest change we will see with the new DC?

Without having a chance to talk with Jeff Hafley about his specific plans, I would say how the defense attacks the first five yards. There’s give and take with every decision and situation, but I feel we’ll see an overall more aggressive mindset.

Robert from Emmaus, PA

It seems that every year, there are changes to the coaching staff in addition to the team. When was the last year that the coaching staff was unchanged from one year to the next? When the Packers have a great season, they lose coaches to promotions and free agents to other teams. This tells me that the Packers are doing the right things, developing player, and coaching talent, but what is the effect to the team and how long does it take to recover?

I can’t think of a year where there were no changes whatsoever to the primary assistant positions on the Packers’ coaching staff. Even Jimmy Robinson left after the Packers won Super Bowl XLV, which had a cascading effect on the rest of the staff.

Tom from Nolanville, TX

Reading Mike’s thoughts on Desmond Bishop reminded me of his rookie preseason. It was the preseason game the Packers played the Jags. The first time the Pack kicked off, Bishop raced downfield and blew up the return man with such ferocity that the guy’s helmet went flying. The next time the Pack kicked off, same result. I thought right there, this dude is a keeper. He made a name for himself on special teams and moved on up.

Much has been written about the butterfly effect Nick Collins’ neck injury had on the Packers’ defense. While Bishop wasn’t a proven All-Pro like Collins, I’d argue his injury was just as devastating to Dom Capers’ unit. It created a merry-go-round at inside linebacker, with several converted outside linebackers attempting to fill that void. Bishop was just scratching the surface of his ability before that preseason game in San Diego, and it took years for the Packers to replace his impact at inside linebacker.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, while I concur with Mike that Anders Carlson making a leap pays huge dividends for the Packers, I’d like to see what a Brenton Cox Jr. jump could add to the defense.

Again, Cox is not your typical UDFA. He’s a blue-chip, five-star collegiate talent. Following Kingsley Enagbares unfortunate knee injury, Cox has a massive opportunity in front of him this summer. We will see what he can do with it.

Dave from Waterford, WI

How is the new kicker the Packers signed looking so far?

I’ve yet to hear anything from the private detective.

Rudy from Rhinelander, WI

Wes, now that you will have a secure lunch for the week, are we to expect a super-charged, energetic Inbox this whole week? What are the chances that David Bakhtiari is a Packer at the start of next season? It seems like a $40 million cap hit for a player with recent injuries is not a smart move. Gutey is smart. I trust his judgement…but?

I’m working from home a lot more these days, so my lunches have been safe since the season ended. For the 12th time, I’m reserving comment on Dave’s situation until it resolves itself. I have no knowledge of his rehab process (other than the beautiful photos Bakhtiari has posted on Instagram of him and his family) or what Gutekunst and the personnel staff are thinking. I’m sure Gutekunst will again be asked about Bakhtiari at the combine in two weeks. Until then, I’m not slinging paint at the wall just to color it.

Richard from Farmington Hills, MI

Given the plethora of picks the team already has, and the number of young players now on the roster, it seems to me that Gutey is much more likely to actually trade up this year than down.

Yes, though that’s been Gutekunst’s M.O. regardless. He traded up to get his guy in the first round during each of his first three drafts: Jaire Alexander (eventually), Darnell Savage and Love).

Tim from Clear Lake, IA

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If so, you (Mike, Wes, and Vic) should be happy to see how Pete Dougherty of the Press Gazette now answers fans’ questions. How do you feel about this? Do you know if any other NFL teams’ web sites offer such a format?

I love it. I wouldn’t say Pete took any cues from Inbox, but I’ve told him for a long time to take questions in advance – especially during the offseason. So, I’m glad to see it appears to be working out for him and the P-G folks.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Wes, welcome back! Since you’ve been gone you’ve been appointed GM for the Vikings. Your QB of the last six years is a free agent. There appears to be a no apprentice ready to step in, and with the 11th position in the draft, the top QB prospects will be off the board before your pick. What’s your play?

I’d re-sign Kirk Cousins and draft a quarterback in the first round to develop. If that means moving up to get that QB, I’d do it. Because the Vikings could be left in the dust in this division really quick if they aren’t careful. To me, it would be pragmatic for Minnesota to compete with Cousins in the present while keeping one eye on the future.

Gordon from Newport Beach, CA

Wes, the Packers wouldn’t draft a long snapper, again? Would they?

I don’t know how much y’all have studied up on long snappers but drafting one doesn’t guarantee a team’s found its guy for the next decade. There have been six long snappers drafted since New England selected Joe Cardona in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Five are out of the league, including Hunter Bradley. Miami’s Blake Ferguson (sixth round, 2020) is the lone active exception.

Pat from Kennesaw, GA

In regard to Phil from Madison about whether to defer or not to defer, a friend of mine says he would always receive saying he wants an extra possession. That’s not guaranteed whether you kick or receive. What is guaranteed is your opponent will not double up.

Up until this year, I stood in total agreement with your friend. But I also saw how the 2023 Packers team, as a whole, played significantly better with a lead than when trailing. That’s why I felt it was the right move for Green Bay to start taking the ball in Detroit. Next season could be an entirely different story, though.

Eric from DeMotte, IN

Longtime reader, first-time submission. My favorite Packers player growing up was free safety Willie Wood. He was a five-time NFL champion and inducted in both the Packers and Pro Football Hall of Fame. As the Packers address the safety position this offseason, it seems that Wood’s aggressive style of play is still the model in today’s NFL. Your thoughts? Thanks for keeping us informed and entertained.

Aggression is a trait that never goes out of style, particularly at the safety position. The game has evolved since Wood played, but hard-hitting, ball-hawking safeties remain in high demand. The Packers have some major decisions looming on the back end. At this moment, I believe Zayne Anderson, Anthony Johnson Jr. and Benny Sapp III are the only safeties on the final 53 signed for next year.

Gary from Sheboygan, WI

Damn…I am still looking for the Insider on Saturdays. How long does it take until we get used to no Insider on Saturday?

I apologize to all of you desiring more II, but I gotta say – I forgot how good it feels to have a three-day weekend.

Sue from Three Lakes, WI

I would love your take on the Bucks. Should we be concerned or will Doc right the ship?

Yes.

Sarah from Neenah, WI

What will everyone do during the offseason?

Well, I hear De Pere’s boys basketball team is pretty good. Have a great start to the week.

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